Three Questions with Teemu Pulkkinen

Chicago Wolves forward Teemu Pulkkinen leads the American Hockey League with nine points (2G, 7A) in the team’s first three games.

The 25-year-old native of Finland is no stranger to the top of the scoring charts – he led the AHL with 34 goals while playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins in 2014-15 – which is why the Vegas Golden Knights grabbed Pulkkinen during the NHL’s expansion draft in June. He was loaned to the Wolves shortly before 2017-18 season began.

Wolves TV reporter Mark Citron sat down with the forward that possesses a lethal slap shot and he answered a few questions:

Q: How did you first get acquainted with hockey? Was there a person or specific moment that influenced you to pick up a stick and play?

TP: Hockey is the main sport in Finland, but I have an older brother who started playing before me so it was just easy to pick up. My father also played hockey but nothing professionally.

Q: You lead the AHL in points and assists. What part of your game are you trying to improve the most this season?

TP: Just the overall game. Play good defense. That’s the thing in the NHL. You have to play good defense. As far as offensively, when you get good scoring chances you have to capitalize on them.

Q: Is there anything in your game that is noticeably different than previous years?

TP: This summer I put myself in great shape. My skating feels really good. The previous summer, I had surgery on my shoulder so it wasn’t that good. When you’re healthy, you can practice more and feel better about yourself and your overall game.